Lead Avionics Test & Launch Engineer

ISHE; Virginia; On-site; USD 110,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company stock

401(k) retirement plan

Medical/dental/vision insurance

Paid vacation & holidays

Paid parental leave

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Wallops Island, VA seeks a Lead Test & Launch Engineer – Avionics to oversee end‑to‑end testing, launch, and mission operations for Electron and Neutron vehicles. You will coordinate cross‑discipline teams, drive CONOPS, and ensure readiness of avionics hardware, software, and ground networks.

You will lead readiness reviews, develop training, and conduct mission simulations, while troubleshooting in real‑time and coordinating a robust testing program for future cadence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical, computer, aerospace, software engineering, or other technical field.
• 5–8+ years of engineering experience with avionics, RF, telemetry, flight software, or launch operations.
• Experience with avionics hardware, flight software, and ground station operations.
• Experience with high‑reliability software and safety‑critical aerospace software.
• Experience with RF systems, ground stations, telemetry, or avionics networking infrastructure.
• Demonstrated leadership competencies and ability to manage a team.
• Understanding of operations involving complex software and hardware systems.
• Experience developing procedures, test plans, and mission simulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead avionics hardware, software, and ground station teams for Electron and Neutron launches.
• Operate in Mission Control as console operator for avionics during tests and launches.
• Develop and maintain CONOPS for avionics, flight software, and networks.
• Create and improve test plans, procedures, and checklists for avionics.
• Design and implement HMIs for monitoring and control.
• Lead readiness reviews, training simulations, and rehearsals.
• Perform real-time troubleshooting and data analysis during live ops.

Skills

Avionics systems

RF systems

Telemetry

Flight software

Ground station ops

Leadership

Operational readiness

Team coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical/computer/aerospace/software engineering

Job description

Rocket Lab in Wallops Island, VA seeks a Lead Test & Launch Engineer – Avionics to oversee end‑to‑end testing, launch, and mission operations for Electron and Neutron vehicles. You will coordinate cross‑discipline teams, drive CONOPS, and ensure readiness of avionics hardware, software, and ground networks.

You will lead readiness reviews, develop training, and conduct mission simulations, while troubleshooting in real‑time and coordinating a robust testing program for future cadence.